Societal Ills and Color Symbolism

Many on this board and others wonder why the world is in the mess that it is. While I don't have an overall view of the exact causes, I do think I have a theory as to one of the possible contributors to the world's problems and the psyches of the human masses.

Color. That's right. Color psychology is a subject that many are probably aware of, but do you really understand the implications of it. For our purposes here, we will take war and greed into consideration.

There have been many who have been perplexed by why there is so much emphasis on war and greed, particularly here in the U.S. I have just about come to the conclusion that it is due to the influence of color symbolism on the human psyche.

Some may say, "Oh, codswallop!! Color has no effect on the psychological tendencies of an individual!!" Really?

Color psychology

colors and their effect

I could go on and on, but that should suffice. There is a wealth of information about this that one can explore on his/her own.

Let's take a look at the two issue that I a concerned with here: War and Greed.

Red is the color that symbolizes war. Think about the places you encounter red.

*Street signs
*Traffic lights
*Buildings
Et cetera. Red is all over the place. An over exposure to such a color is going to impact the mood and thoughts of an individual.

Green symbolizes money. Now, you can't get away from this color at all. It's in nature, on currency, on signs, traffic lights, et cetera.

All of these factors play a role in a person's view and feelings about everything.

ever since i could remember, all the way back in pre-school it seems like everyone grows up despising the color brown! honestly, whose favorite color is brown? its like we're taught to almost hate the color brown right off the bat.

lets take a look at some of the color browns meaning
* Feeling of wholesomeness
* Stability
* Connection with the earth
* Offers a sense orderliness
its almost like they are detouring us from liking this color.well maybe not but this is skunkworks isnt it?
i think i kinda see what youre getting at here. makes sence.

getting back to red real quick, the devil is almost always portrayed to be red

[edit on 25-6-2007 by The Phantom]

Originally posted by The Phantom
ever since i could remember, all the way back in pre-school it seems like everyone grows up despising the color brown! honestly, whose favorite color is brown? its like we're taught to almost hate the color brown right off the bat.

lets take a look at some of the color browns meaning
* Feeling of wholesomeness
* Stability
* Connection with the earth
* Offers a sense orderliness
i

Very true. It's rather ironic that brown is also considered an earthy color, which begs to take something else into consideration. Perhaps the reason that humanity seems so set on the destruction of the earth is because the color brown isn't more prominent in society.

I honestly believe that my theory, as "kooky" as it may sound, has merit. Maybe I shouldn't declare it "my" theory because I am sure that others have postulated much the same, but I haven't seen many on this board advocate such an idea.

Also, in relation to the devil always being portrayed as being red, think about this. What color is mars? Who is considered the god of war? Mars, right? Let that simmer for a little while.



[edit on 26-6-2007 by SpeakerofTruth]

Originally posted by SpeakerofTruth


Very true. It's rather ironic that brown is also considered an earthy color, which begs to take something else into consideration. Perhaps the reason that humanity seems so set on the destruction of the earth is because the color brown isn't more prominent in society.

Also, in relation to the devil always being portrayed as being red, think about this. What color is mars? Who is considered the god of war? Mars, right? Let that simmer for a little while.



[edit on 26-6-2007 by SpeakerofTruth]

hey man good points. especially connecting the devil, mars and war!this could probably spring a whole new topic of interest. as for "your" theory i believe it is a possibility.

there was a time where mostly everything was just green and brown, besides some of the beautiful plant and animal life. now we're so bombarded by colors its nuts. it has to be having SOME effect on us whether we know about it or not


[edit on 27-6-2007 by The Phantom]

Originally posted by The Phantom


hey man good points. especially connecting the devil, mars and war!this could probably spring a whole new topic of interest. as for "your" theory i believe it is a possibility.

there was a time where mostly everything was just green and brown, besides some of the beautiful plant and animal life. now we're so bombarded by colors its nuts. it has to be having SOME effect on us whether we know about it or not


[edit on 27-6-2007 by The Phantom]

Well, thank you.

Another thing that a person should really take into consideration is that a person's "favorite" color says a lot about them. For example: my favorite color is sky blue.

Here is what this says about me:

Blue: Soft, soothing, compassionate and caring, Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. Patient, persevering, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, Blues like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom. They are faithful, but are often worriers with somewhat inflexible beliefs and can be too cautious, and suspicious of flamboyant behavior.

Personality

I couldn't find the particular value of blue, but really, I like any kind of blue.

Here is what it says about people who like red:

Red: The color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous, and impulsive--or who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic and can’t stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by those with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life.

Red

So, this can be applied to many different things.

Originally posted by SpeakerofTruth

Well, thank you.

Another thing that a person should really take into consideration is that a person's "favorite" color says a lot about them.

Wow very true. Here is what they have to say about purple, my favorite color.

Purple: Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty, and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant, and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.

Pretty damn close!

Well, I don't like purple at all, but there was one characteristic in it that does seem to fit me.

a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood.

That certainly fits me pretty well.

Most of the characteristics of blue fit me quite accordingly.

[edit on 27-6-2007 by SpeakerofTruth]